Laurie MacDougall discusses the dramatic impact that language has on our discussions of Substance Use Disorder. Let’s work together to reduce stigma, improve access to treatment, and embrace a more humane approach to our loved ones’ struggles – all with the words we choose.
Her son was asked to leave college and is now using at home. Mom’s been confiscating drugs when she finds them as she fears for his safety. Will this sabatoge the CRAFT method? Dominique Simon-Levine reponds, illuminating how families can tailor CRAFT to their unique situations.
Early recovery can feel as shaky and chaotic as life before recovery as a loved one struggles to keep up with everything, from drug testing and appointments, to outstanding bills.
Our Allies member has mixed feelings about the klonopin her son is taking. His psychiatrist however is not concerned as long as it’s being taken as prescribed. Dominique Simon-Levine delivers a helpful and considered perspective while sharing deeply of her own experience.
Her daughter is back at home after violating probation and a few months of active use. It’s a shock to see her daughter in this state again. But she is looking to CRAFT to guide her.
She’s thankful her loved one is no longer using, but his finances are a mess. Should she allow natural consequences for his past use even if it means losing his job or should she support his current efforts toward sobriety and pay his job rent?
Guest blogger, Laurie MacDougall responds to a member explaining what she and her husband did when they let their son move back home to work on his recovery. They created a structure of boundaries that he had to abide by in order to live in their home.
In this follow-up to her post on incentives, bribes and reinforcing, Laurie MacDougall shares her “One and Done” approach. Read on for a practical and strategic approach to use with your loved one, and look out for her “Buyer Beware” caveat!
A family member writes in wondering about rewarding her loved one for attending a few recovery group meetings. Guest author and recovery enthusiast Laurie MacDougall sheds light on the key differences between bribes, incentives and rewards for positive behavior.
Our member is facing a big transition. It looks like her loved one will be asked to leave the house in a few weeks. Read on about a sound approach for embracing this transition with grace and compassion.
She is facing some hard truths as she looks back on the past ten years of her husband’s addiction. He is finally sober, but he has yet to acknowledge what he put the family through. What should she expect at this point in her loved one’s recovery.
The courts failed to enforce treatment for her daughter, once out of jail. Now her daughter’s life is a real mess. Take a look at how Dominique Simon-Levine lays out an approach to help this family member stay on track.
She is raising her sister-in-law’s children, and is at a loss. It seems impossbile to understand how a parent can choose drugs over their own children.
Annie Highwater shares more words of wisdom with the community. Here’s a lovely reminder for family members that 1) we have work to do! and 2) recovery is a beautiful thing.
These parents are reeling in the wake of realizing their teenaged daughter is experimenting with all sorts of substances. It feels tempting to monitor/control her use somehow. And what about messaging her (using) friends? Is this a bad move?
A member wonders if her son will ever come to terms with what he’s put the family through. Read Annie Highwater’s inspiring response which offers strength and grounding we can all use during difficult times.
When all but one member of a family is in recovery and living a sober lifestyle, how do they approach their loved one’s use without being too overbearing? How can they use CRAFT to help prevent him from going down the wrong path?
This family member had given up on ever getting her daugher back again. Her powerful tale of hope credits CRAFT with helping turn things around. We are so grateful for her sharing this story with the Allies community.
She’s worried her daughter may be heading towards relapse, having just returned home from rehab. It’s a real strain to have things start off this way. See how Dominique Simon-Levine uses the CRAFT method to frame an approach.
Wins can come when you’re least expecting them. Read an inspiring report of a member’s recent success using CRAFT. Positive steps like these don’t mean the problems are all gone, but they are hard-won and worth celebrating!
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